Monday Mantras
				++++++++++++++


He was born in 1644. He learnt his own trade all by himself. He worked
with tools which were primitive. He made violins.

His focus was to put in his best efforts and create excellence in every
violin that he crafted. He wanted to autograph his work with excellence.
He created his own personal standard of excellence for his craft, and he
actually signed his name on each instrument that passed the test.

Today, some three hundred years later, the name of this craftsman who was
committed to excellence is the benchmark for the best in musical
instruments. His name? Antonio Stradivari! His Stradivarius violins sell
for hundreds of thousands of dollars because they are the best.

When Stradivari laboured, he did not know of the legacy he was creating.
He was doing his best, day in and day out, to reach his standard of
excellence. He didn't spend the extra time and care to get the accolades
of upper management or to be the top producer in the company. He did it
because excellence was part of his focus, mission, and obsession.

It is easy to do world-class work when a boss is looking or a supervisor
is around. But the test is in what you do when no one is looking. High
achievers have developed the ability to stay focused when no one else is
around. Does your quality or performance fluctuate based on who is in the
office or which customer you are serving? Excellence is not something that
you can just turn on and off whenever you feel you need it. It is a habit
rooted in your attitude about your life and career.

Go ahead, autograph your work with excellence....and make it a great week
ahead!!!